If you’re in the planning stages of your trip to Ireland, consider looking at some of the more unique accommodation that Ireland has to offer. In general, the Emerald Isle offers a wide range of accommodation options, from bare-bones hostels to five-star castles and manor hotels. There’s something for every taste, but, if you want a more memorable holiday experience, be sure to look into some of Ireland’s more out-of-the-ordinary places to stay.

The Irish Landmark Trust (http://www.irishlandmark.com/) has, in our opinion, some of the most interesting self-catering options available. For example, if you’re the kind of person who would like to get away from it all with only the call of the sea birds and the sounds of the sea for neighbors, you can rent the lightkeeper’s house on Loop Head, a wild and secluded corner of Ireland that will take your breath away. But not so far out of your way that you can’t pop into a nearby village for dinner and pint!

Loop Head Lighthouse

Or perhaps you’d prefer something more ‘regal,’ like The Barbican in Antrim, a 19th century structure that resembles a medieval gatehouse. Of course, you can even rent a castle, if that is more to your taste. Some people just want to have the experience of staying in their own castle. If this describes you, check out Clomantagh Castle in Freshford, near Kilkenny. This tower castle was built in the 14th century and sleeps up to 10.

If the big city is more of a draw for you, they’ve even got distinctive properties in Dublin City near Merrion Square or the Temple Bar district on Eustace Street.

Of course, the Irish Landmark Trust isn’t the only place you’ll find unique property listings. Next time, we’ll look at some of the other options available to the traveler who wants something different.

The festival season in Ireland is still in full swing as we enter the month of August. We’re highlighting just a few of the myriad events taking place all over Ireland.

Belfast Taste and Music Fest 2010 runs 4 – 8 August in, of course, Belfast at the Botanic Gardens. This festival brings together two favorite pasttimes of just about everyone we know: food and music. For more information on this event, visit http://www.belfasttasteandmusicfest.com/.

Also running from 4 – 8 August is the Dublin Horse Show, brought to you by Fáilte Ireland. This annual extravaganza was first held in 1864 and is aptly described on their website as “a celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers.” The event is held a the Royal Dublin Society’s complex in Dublin. A list of events and details about the show can be found at http://www.dublinhorseshow.com/.

Don’t forget the annual Kilkenny Arts Festival, which begins on August 6 and continues through August 15, with events taking place in venues around Kilkenny. The festival website proclaims that this festival is “the very best in Irish and international visual art, clasical music, theatre and dance, jazz, world & traditional Irish music, literature, film, architecture, indie music, craft and children’s events.” Their website can be accessed at http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/ for a complete listing of events and festival information.

And, finally, if you’re anywhere near Kenmare on August 15, you will want to make a special effort to visit the Kenmare Traditional Annual Fair. You’ll experience a fair like the ones that used to take place all over Ireland but have faded into just a memory in most places. The Kenmare Chamber of Commerce website has a little bit of information and a contact e-mail at http://www.kenmare.ie/community-event-view.php?id=1.

These are just a scant few of the gatherings and festivals that will occur across Ireland this month. If we have left out your favorite event, leave a comment telling us about it. Slan go foill!